This was a terrible tragedy that could have been prevented. My prayers go out to the victims and their families. May God provide you comfort in your time of sorrow. Let’s discuss the facts as we know them.

First, once again, the shooting occurred in a gun-free zone, filled with ID checks and metal detectors that everyone erroneously assumed would save them.

Second, the shooting occurred in a jurisdiction, Washington D.C., which has been rabid in its efforts to take guns away from its own citizens — and to make it illegal for Washingtonians to defend themselves.

Third, lest there be any question, Congress has banned the possession of any “firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility” [18 USC, Sec. 930]. Hence, they all but advertised to Alexis, that, with the exception of security, everyone in the Naval facility would be sitting ducks.

In sum, the shooting occurred in a jurisdiction where the firearm was illegal and in a building where firearms are illegal. Other than banning firearms nationally, how many more illegalities do anti-gunners intend to pile on?

Banning guns and imposing background checks won’t stop these creeps, but armed good guys will. Remember that the Oregon shooter last December stole his AR-15 before killing two people at the Clackamas mall. But he retreated when he saw Nick Meli, who holds a concealed carry permit, draw his gun and point it at him. The killer then retreated and took his own life.

Given that putting guns in good people’s hands will save lives, why are law-abiding personnel being disarmed here on military bases? How ironic that when CNN’s John Roberts asked a military spouse if she was anxious about her husband being deployed to Afghanistan (in 2009), she responded: “At least he’s safe there and he can fire back, right?”

Efforts will be made to scapegoat Virginia for this most recent tragedy. But, not coincidentally, Alexis did not attack a Virginia locale where potential victims could defend themselves with guns.